Albanese ‘would prefer’ Chinese research vessel was not off the coast of Australia

According to the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the Tan Suo Yi Hao has 11 laboratories onboard and is equipped to conduct deep-sea surveillance. Photograph: Kareen Schnabel

Anthony Albanese says he “would prefer” a Chinese research vessel was not sitting off the coast of Victoria and stressed it will be closely monitored by the Australian defence force.

The research vessel Tan Suo Yi Hao was directly south of the Victorian town of Portland on Monday afternoon and travelling west after a port call in Wellington.